Web desk: Pakistan’s hockey team booked their place in the World Cup qualifying round after thrashing Bangladesh 8–0 In the second game. They extended their dominant run in the three-match series.
Pakistan’s hockey team secured its place in the World Cup qualifying round after a dominant 0–8 victory over Bangladesh in their second match of the series.
Sufyan Khan and Rana Waheed led the charge with two goals each, while Rana Waleed, Imad Butt, Hanan Shahid and Afraz Khan contributed one goal apiece.
The national side had earlier won the opening match 2–8, showcasing consistent attacking form. The third and final match of the series will be played on November 16.
Hockey World Cup
The Hockey World Cup qualification tournament is set to take place next year. Through which seven teams will secure their spots in the 2026 Hockey World Cup.
A total of 16 teams will compete in the 2026 edition. Belgium, the Netherlands, Australia, Spain and Argentina have already qualified directly. While Germany, India, New Zealand and South Africa have also booked their places in the tournament.
Teams from Pakistan, the USA, Canada, Chile and France will feature in the Hockey World Cup qualification round. Alongside, England, Austria, Poland, Wales and Scotland.
China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia and Egypt are also part of the qualifying lineup. This makes it a diverse field competing for World Cup berths.
Hockey World Cup Qualifiers: Pakistan Beat Bangladesh
Pakistan earlier opened their Hockey World Cup Qualifying Round campaign with a convincing win, defeating Bangladesh 8–2 in their first match.
Ahmad Nadeem and Afraz struck twice each, while captain Imad Butt, Ghazanfar Ali, Rana Waheed Ashraf and Hannan Shahid added a goal apiece.
Bangladesh’s goals came from Huzaifa and Ameerul Islam.
The second fixture of the Pakistan–Bangladesh series is scheduled for November 14, followed by the final match on November 16.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has decided not to send its junior hockey team to India for the Junior World Cup, set to take place from November 28 to December 10.
According to the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), national players will not participate due to security concerns and what the federation described as India’s hostile behaviour towards Pakistan in the sporting arena.
